Electromagnetic Parking Lock Actuator With Coaxial Latching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional parking lock actuations in electric vehicles require expensive electric actuator drives, large installation space, and complex control systems, including DC motors, spindle mechanisms, and position monitoring, which increase costs and reduce efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A parking lock system utilizing an electromechanical actuator with a magnetic coil and spring-loaded pressure plates, allowing for simple current supply in one direction to achieve safe retraction and extension, eliminating the need for spindle mechanics and position monitoring, and reducing installation space through coaxial arrangement of latching and adjustment mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electric actuator drives with DC motors and spindle mechanisms are used, then reliable actuation is achieved, but device complexity and installation space increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional electric actuator drive (DC motor, spindle mechanism) with a simple electromagnetic actuator consisting of a magnetic coil and armature. This substitution eliminates complex mechanical components while maintaining actuation functionality through direct electromagnetic force generation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the conventional actuator system, removing the DC motor, spindle mechanism, position monitoring systems, and complex control units, retaining only the essential electromagnetic actuation elements needed for parking lock operation.
2Ease of operation
If conventional electric actuator drives are used, then actuation function is achieved, but installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested arrangement where the electromagnetic actuator components (magnetic coil, armature, pressure plates) are concentrically arranged around a common axis. The locking mechanism and adjustment mechanism are arranged coaxially, with the adjustment mechanism positioned within the locking mechanism's radial space, maximizing space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a conventional linear actuator layout to a radial/concentric arrangement, utilizing the radial dimension around the parking lock's central axis. This dimensional reorganization allows components to be arranged in a compact circular pattern rather than requiring linear space.
3Measurement precision
If conventional electric actuator drives with position monitoring are used, then precise control is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-servicing system where the spring-loaded pressure plates automatically return the locking mechanism to its initial position after actuation. The mechanical spring return mechanism eliminates the need for position sensors, feedback systems, or complex control algorithms to manage the actuator's movement cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic actuation where the magnetic coil is energized only during the actuation phase, and the spring automatically returns the mechanism during the return phase. This periodic on-demand actuation eliminates continuous control requirements and associated monitoring systems.
4Device complexity
If spring-loaded pressure plates are used for automatic return, then device complexity is reduced, but force control precision may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes spring preloading to establish a predetermined return force parameter. By designing the spring with specific stiffness and preload characteristics, the system achieves reliable automatic return without requiring active force control systems, sensors, or complex regulation mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution provides a cost-effective, compact, and reliable parking lock system with reduced part complexity, enabling high holding forces and fast actuation, while eliminating the need for complex control systems and position monitoring, and allowing for easy emergency unlocking.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical actuator (10) comprising a magnetic coil (12) and an armature (14) actuated by it
Implementation Method 2
The armature (14) is acted upon by a tension spring (16)
Implementation Method 3
The compression spring (44) is supported against a counter bearing (46)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to an electromechanical actuator (10) of a parking lock system with a ratchet wheel (84) and a locking pawl (86) of a vehicle. The electromechanical actuator (10) comprises a magnetic coil (12) and an armature (14) actuated by it. When the magnetic coil (12) is energized (52), it moves an adjusting mechanism (20) translationally, which in turn moves a spring-loaded detent mechanism (26) translationally and rotationally, thereby locking a bolt (42) either in its retracted position (80) or in its extended position (82).